Determinants of Iron, Zinc, and Copper Concentrations in the Hair of Dogs and Cats

The study examined iron, zinc, and copper concentrations in the hair of 57 dogs and 68 cats in Bucharest, Romania, considering factors like sex, age, diet, and living environment. It found that outdoor dogs and cats had significantly higher hair iron levels than indoor animals, while sex, age, and diet did not significantly affect these elements' concentrations. Dogs had higher iron and copper levels than cats, but zinc levels were similar between species. Strong positive correlations were observed among all elements, particularly between zinc and copper. The study suggests hair analysis as a valuable tool for assessing environmental influences and trace element interactions in pets, though further research is needed to standardize methods and explore additional influencing factors.